Why Indians Love Sri Lanka So Much: A Tiny Island with a Big Heart

If there’s one international destination that Indians can’t seem to get enough of lately, it’s Sri Lanka.

Just across the Palk Strait, this beautiful island nation has become one of the top getaway choices for Indians looking for a mix of beaches, culture, history, and great food — all without the long flights or high costs.

Up to September this year, nearly 400,000 Indians have visited Sri Lanka — the highest number from any single country.

But what exactly makes Sri Lanka so special to Indian visitors? Let’s find out.

For Neil Borate, Editor-in-Chief at The Fynprint in Mumbai, Sri Lanka has become a second home. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, he calls it his “Deepawali gateway” — the perfect escape for festive breaks.

Back to my annual Diwali getaway! Sri Lanka, my ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rmWsqjHVbx
— Neil Borate (@ActusDei) October 18, 2025

From witnessing Sigiriya Rock Fortress to savoring authentic rice and curry, Neil raves about not just the beauty of Sri Lanka, but also its cleanliness and the politeness of its people.

It’s these small details, he says, that make the country unforgettable.

Swapnil S. Lahane from Nagpur couldn’t stop praising Colombo’s affordable sea-facing hotels.

“Colombo has some of the nicest and most affordable oceanfront stays,” he wrote on X.

And he’s right — Sri Lanka offers an impressive range of luxury stays that fit all budgets.

Whether it’s a modern hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean or a colonial-style boutique villa, travelers can enjoy comfort, style, and views without burning a hole in their pocket.

One thing Indian travelers can’t help but notice? Sri Lanka’s world-class roads.

Take Akshay Butani, for instance. He covered nearly 1,700 kilometers across the country in eight days and was amazed by how smooth, pothole-free, and tidy the roads were.

“It’s a joy to drive here,” he shared.

Over the last 15 years, Sri Lanka has invested heavily in road and expressway development, and it shows. The country now has three major expressways:

Colombo–Hambantota Expressway: Linking the capital to the deep south, passing by the stunning Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Central Expressway: A breathtaking drive through hills and forests, connecting travelers to Kandy, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura — cities rich in history and culture.

Indian journalists who recently took the scenic central route described it as “mesmerising.”

Katunayake Expressway: The shortest and most convenient, taking visitors from Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo in record time.

One of the biggest reasons Indians love Sri Lanka is the exchange rate advantage.

For every Indian rupee, you get nearly three Sri Lankan rupees, which means you can shop more, dine more, and stay longer for less.

Add to that the easy visa process (simple online applications and quick approvals), and you’ve got a stress-free travel experience that’s both affordable and convenient.

Sri Lanka also truly lives up to its tagline, which is not the official tagline but the one used by www.howsrilanka.com — “Small Island, Big Trip.”

Within a few hours, you can go from pristine beaches to misty mountains, ancient temples to bustling cities, or wildlife parks to peaceful tea estates.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, and Galle Fort.

Go on a safari at Udawalawe National Park to spot elephants and leopards in the wild.

Or simply stroll through Colombo’s Galle Face Green, watching the sunset with locals.

What makes the experience even more special is the hospitality and warmth of the Sri Lankan people. Their kindness, civic sense according to Indian traveller Kiran Kumar, and easygoing nature make every Indian traveler feel right at home.

In many ways, Sri Lanka feels both familiar and foreign. It shares deep cultural ties with India — from food and festivals to cricket and spirituality — yet offers a distinct charm of its own.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, Sri Lanka promises beauty, balance, and bliss.

So the next time you’re looking for a quick, affordable international getaway — skip the long-haul flights. Just head south. Because as thousands of Indians already know, Sri Lanka isn’t just a trip — it’s a feeling.